Solar gate openers work well for the right gate: a field, paddock or farm-track gate that opens a handful of times a day, far from mains power. A 12V motor runs from a battery, and a small panel tops the battery up. They're less suited to a busy driveway gate that opens dozens of times a day, because a British winter doesn't put back enough energy for that much use.
Are solar gate openers any good?
| Situation | Solar fit |
|---|---|
| Field or paddock gate, a few openings a day | Excellent |
| Farm track gate far from mains | Good, with a bigger battery |
| Home driveway gate, moderate use | Possible, but mains with battery backup is simpler |
| Busy or commercial gate | Use mains |
The real advantage is avoiding a mains cable. Running power to a gate at the end of a long drive or across a field can cost more than the opener itself, and that's where solar pays off.
How many openings in winter?
Each open-and-close cycle takes a small amount of energy from the battery, and the panel has to put it back. In summer that's easy. In December, a small panel may only collect enough for a limited number of cycles a day, and a run of grey days drains the battery. Manufacturers usually quote the number of daily cycles their solar kits support, so check that figure against how often your gate is really used - and size the battery for a dark week, not a sunny day.
What a solar gate system includes
- The opener arm and control box, for a single or double swing gate
- A 12V or 24V sealed battery, often sold separately
- A solar panel, sometimes included, typically 10-20W
- Remote controls, plus optional keypads and receivers
- Safety devices such as photocells, which stop the gate closing on a person or vehicle
Safety
Automatic gates can cause serious injuries. Make sure your system stops and reverses when it meets an obstruction, fit photocells if people or animals pass through, and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully. For gates on a public road or used by the public, have them installed by a professional to the relevant standards. Many of the kits sold online are designed for the US market, so check the warranty and support in the UK before you buy.
Recommended kit
Everything below was in stock on Amazon UK when this guide was written.
Ghost Controls TSS1XP heavy-duty solar single gate opener
A complete solar gate opener kit for a single swing gate, including a 10W panel, with a lifetime warranty on the motor and gearbox. It has by far the most reviews of any solar gate opener on Amazon UK - over 1,500, averaging 4.4 stars. It's a US product, so check UK support and delivery before buying, and add a 12V battery.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →TOPENS AT12131 single swing gate opener
A cheaper single-gate opener with an uninterruptible power supply included and obstacle stop-and-reverse. It runs primarily from mains, so check the listing for TOPENS solar options if you have no power at the gate. Rated 4.5 stars from 96 reviews.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →TOPENS AT602 dual swing gate opener
For a pair of gates. It runs on mains power, with the option of a 24V battery. Rated 4.5 stars from 173 reviews.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →UPLUS 12V 18Ah sealed AGM battery
A sealed 12V battery of the type many solar gate openers use - check the size your opener needs. Rated 4.6 stars from 674 reviews.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →Topsolar 20W panel with 10A controller
If a small included panel can't keep up in winter, a 20W panel with its own controller adds headroom. Rated 4.4 stars from over 3,600 reviews.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →Summary
- Solar gate openers suit low-use field, paddock and farm gates far from mains
- The big saving is not running a mains cable to a remote gate
- Winter limits daily openings - size the battery for a dark week
- Busy driveway or commercial gates are better on mains with battery backup
- Fit safety devices and check UK support for US-market kits
If you keep horses, our guide to solar electric fence energisers covers fencing the same fields, and stable and tack room solar covers lights and cameras at the yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are solar gate openers any good?
For low-use gates far from mains, yes. They avoid the cost of running a cable. For gates that open many times a day, winter sun may not keep the battery charged.
Do solar gate openers work in winter?
Yes, but with fewer openings a day. Check the daily cycles the manufacturer quotes and size the battery for a week of grey weather.
What size solar panel does a gate opener need?
Kits typically include 10 to 20W panels. For heavy gates or more use in winter, a bigger panel or a second panel helps.
Can I fit a solar gate opener myself?
Many are sold as DIY kits, but automatic gates can injure people. Follow the instructions carefully, fit safety devices, and use a professional for gates used by the public.
Is solar or mains better for a driveway gate?
If mains is nearby, a mains opener with battery backup is usually simpler and more reliable. Solar makes most sense where running power would be expensive.